What makes Hawaiʻi extraordinary is that every island in the archipelago is distinct. From black-sand beaches and volcanic topography to the local pidgin phrases and regional cuisine, each island is unique. As for which island is the best? It’s fiercely debated. Every year we ask our readers, and the results change from year to year. […]
Some of the grandest hotels and resorts on Oʻahu are those with only a few hundred rooms. Standing in defiance to the saying, “bigger is better,” these boutique hotels have astounded visitors and locals with their perfectly manicured properties, stylish rooms and distinctive personalities. Below are just five—trust us, there are many more—of the best
Oʻahu is considered by many as the surfing mecca of the world. From the heavy-duty breaks located on the North Shore—which has even been given the flashy nickname of the “Seven Mile Miracle”—to the pristine fun-sized surf on Oʻahu’s southern shoreline, there’s plenty of surf to go around. And while there are hundreds of surf spots on
Shave ice—or ice shave as it’s known on Hawaiʻi Island—is a staple treat here in the Hawaiʻi. Those powdery snowcones drenched with syrups in a smattering of flavors—strawberry, coconut, vanilla and more—all topped with condensed milk, fresh fruits and even mochi balls have become a go-to cure to hot summer days for visitors and locals
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since the publishing of our 2021 Readers’ Choice list, Kealakekua Bay Bed & Breakfast and Waipi‘o Rim Bed and Breakfast have closed their doors permanently. The familial comforts of a proper bed and breakfast—or inn—are hard to beat. Instead of feeling like you’re on vacation—a vibe that hotels and resorts are perfect
Knowing where to get your daily dosage of caffeine is important, and fortunately for visitors and residents alike, the Islands have a host of cozy coffee shops and cafés to choose from. Ranging from a chic to sleek, these five spots must be on your radar if you’re in the market for a cup of
Creating a list of Oʻahu’s Top 5 beaches when there are so many out there just as blue and beautiful as the next is a difficult task—to say the least. Fortunately, nominations for the best Oʻahu beaches for our 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards poured in from our readers around the world. So, while every beach
Aloha Friday Picks is a weekly news blog that will run every Friday and features three things we recommend you do, try or experience over the weekend. Send us tips at media@hawaiimagazine.com. “It’s aloha Friday, no work till Monday.” If you didn’t sing along in your head, then you really need to give this song
The beaches on Hawaiʻi Island are some of the best in the state—and there are a lot of them. Due to the island’s ever-growing coastline and massive size, there are hundreds of beaches dotted along the Big Island, some of which can’t be found in magazines or on websites. Even the ones that are easy to
There are a lot of reasons visitors and locals love Kauaʻi. The aloha-first atmosphere, catching views from the breathtaking Waimea Canyon and hiking the iconic Nāpali Coast are all great reasons to visit the Garden Isle. But for some—actually, many—it’s the beaches that steal away the hearts and minds of those who visit. Below are the five best
The food scene in Hawaiʻi has changed since COVID-19. Some of the state’s most popular restaurants—Alan Wong’s Honolulu on Oʻahu, Da Kitchen on Maui—have closed for good. And others have had to change course, ditching fussy menus for simpler dishes that work as takeout and delivery options. And despite the economic turmoil this global pandemic
When deciding what hotel or resort to stay at on your Hawaiʻi vacation, or even a staycation for locals, the bougie-ness of the pool is a factor of the utmost importance. Because, as we all know, lounging poolside is a necessary activity when on vacation. Deciding which pool on Oʻahu is the best, however, is
